The debate around the Jeffrey Epstein case has taken a fresh turn after Melania Trump publicly rejected claims linking her to the disgraced financier, firmly distancing herself from the long-running controversy that has continued to shadow her husband’s political life.
Speaking from the White House foyer beneath the presidential seal, Melania Trump addressed the issue directly, dismissing online speculation that she had any personal ties to Epstein or that he played a role in her relationship with U.S President Donald Trump. She stated that she met Trump “by chance” at a New York City party in 1998, pushing back against narratives suggesting otherwise.
“I am not Epstein’s victim,” she said. She also urged lawmakers to allow victims of Epstein to testify publicly, calling on Congress to organise hearings where they can share their accounts under oath.
“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” Melania Trump said, reading a statement and declining to take questions from reporters.
Her remarks have brought renewed attention to the Epstein scandal, which has remained a sensitive issue for the Trump administration. Supporters of the president have accused officials of mishandling the release of government files related to the case, keeping the matter in public debate even as other global issues dominate headlines.
The first lady said she had never had any relationship with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, noting that any interaction with Maxwell was limited to casual communication. She explained that she only “crossed paths” with Epstein once, at an event in 2000 that she attended with her husband.
“At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings,” she said.
Melania Trump added that being in the same social spaces did not imply a personal connection, saying: “I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach.”
“To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell … I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband, by chance, at a New York City party in 1998,” she said.
Her decision to speak out comes at a time when the Epstein issue had largely faded from daily headlines, overtaken by other international developments, including tensions involving the United States and Iran. According to her senior adviser Marc Beckman, the timing was deliberate.
“First Lady Melania Trump spoke out now because enough is enough. The lies must stop,” Beckman said in a statement.
The controversy has also touched on internal tensions within the administration. President Trump recently dismissed his attorney general Pam Bondi, who had faced criticism from his supporters over delays in releasing Epstein-related files held by the Justice Department.
The files, released under pressure from Trump’s political base and in line with a transparency law passed by Congress, include records linking several public figures to Epstein’s social network. Among them is a 2002 email from Melania Trump to Maxwell referencing a magazine article about Epstein. The message read: “Nice story about JE in NY mag. You look great in the picture.”
“Give me a call when you are back in NY.”
Addressing the email, Melania Trump described it as routine communication with no deeper meaning. “My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note,” she said.
Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in a New York jail in 2019 while facing federal charges of sex trafficking minors. His death was ruled a suicide, but his case has continued to fuel public concern and speculation, especially regarding alleged clients and associates.
Polls have shown lingering distrust among Americans over how the matter has been handled. A Reuters/Ipsos survey in January found that only 21 percent approved of Trump’s handling of the Epstein files. Another poll in February indicated that a large majority of Americans believe the government is withholding key information about Epstein’s network.
President Trump has maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. Though records show he moved in similar social circles and had past contact with Epstein in the 1990s, he has said he cut ties with him in the early 2000s.
